Ayanangsha Maitra
New Delhi — India has intensified diplomatic engagement with Iran and begun contingency assistance for its citizens as tensions in the region escalate. In a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs’s Additional Secretary and spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has spoken with his Iranian counterpart Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr. Syed Abbas Araghchi over phone three times in recent days, the most recent conversation focusing on shipping routes and energy security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to several leaders in the gulf for early restoration of peace in the region, MEA clarified.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently residing in Iran. This includes students, seafarers, pilgrims, and professionals working across different sectors, Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal further said the Indian Mission in Tehran has issued an advisory urging citizens to remain cautious and stay in close contact with embassy officials. For those wishing to leave Iran, India has opened overland evacuation options via Azerbaijan and Armenia, with authorities facilitating safe transit and onward travel to India.
The Indian Mission in Tehran is in constant touch with stranded passengers and members of the Indian community, Jaiswal said, adding that officials are actively coordinating assistance for those seeking to cross borders and return home.
The development comes amid growing concerns over regional security and disruptions to maritime trade routes, prompting New Delhi to closely monitor the safety of its citizens and energy supply lines.
Gulf is very important due to energy security needs and Indian diaspora, Jaiswal said .
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on March 5 signed the condolence book at the Embassy of Iran in Delhi on behalf of the Government of India to offer condolences on the demise of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Jaiswal said on Thursday.
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